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Living Free - August 13, 2015

"The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, 'I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" Luke 4:5-8 NIV (suggested reading for this week: Luke 4:1-15)

Thoughts for Today

The second temptation consisted of Satan promising Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him.

Both Jesus and his tempter knew that Jesus would eventually gain these kingdoms anyway (see Psalm 110:1). So Satan was tempting Jesus to take something that is rightfully his but by wrong means. To avoid pain and suffering by gaining the kingdoms that are rightfully his—but without going to the cross. And in the process, Jesus would have to bow down and worship the devil.

Once again, Jesus refused to give in to the temptation. And again, he quoted the Scriptures, revealing the root of the temptation by showing the right form of worship.

Consider this …

We live in a time of instant gratification. Our fast-paced world and never-ending flow of instant responses via cell phones, Internet, etc. have molded us to want and expect instant gratification. We want it NOW if not yesterday.

Sometimes we may know in our hearts that God has a plan to take care of a situation, but we don't want to wait. We want the solution now. And so, instead of waiting for God's plan to unfold, we manipulate and make it happen now. Our way. And in rejecting God's plan, we are bowing down to Satan.

We have all experienced this temptation in some area of our lives. Let us learn from the example Jesus has set for us. Let us choose God's way, God's timing—always the best way and the best timing.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I have not been willing to wait and do things the right way, but have taken a shortcut. Help me be willing to wait. Teach me to trust you more and to choose your way and your time. In Jesus' name …